Camping cabins near Farwell, Michigan provide options for visitors to enjoy this central Michigan area located about 1,000 feet above sea level. The region features a mix of pine forests, small lakes, and river access points with most camping facilities operating seasonally from May through October. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, making most cabin camping options unavailable during winter months except for Wilson State Park Campground which maintains year-round operations.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing on local rivers: Old Log Resort and Campground offers convenient kayak rentals with drop-off service that lets you paddle back to their landing area. "They also do kyak rentals, with drop off and you boat back to their own landing. Super convenient," notes a visitor who stayed at Old Log Resort and Campground.
Fishing in small ponds and lakes: Isabella County Herrick Recreation Area provides multiple fishing spots around their small ponds. According to one visitor, "Ponds are just that, ponds. Not gonna catch record breaking fish here, but you can kyak around a bit. Electric motors only here," making it suitable for casual fishing with children at Isabella County Herrick Recreation Area.
Walking and biking trails: Several campgrounds maintain groomed walking paths. "There is the Pier-Marquette Rail trail about 1.5 miles from the campground, great for biking, running etc," reports a camper who stayed at Herrick Recreation Area, providing an excellent paved option for cyclists.
Playground access for children: Most family-oriented campgrounds feature playground equipment. Countryside Campground offers "a playground, heated pool, hiking/bike trail, and even a baseball field," according to one visitor who found it particularly child-friendly.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites in pine forests: Campers frequently mention the spacious nature of sites at Herrick Recreation Area. "The first 3 areas you roll thru on the North side of the drive, along the lake, are in almost full sun, take that into account, but easy pond access. The ones beyond that are in a beautiful pine stand, lots of space, and all around comfy area," explains a visitor at Herrick Recreation Area.
Exceptionally clean facilities: Multiple reviewers note the cleanliness at Countryside Campground. "W.O.W. This is the CLEANEST campground I have ever been to. Seriously not 1 cigarette but or candy wrapper on my site when I arrived. Picnic tables are freshly washed," states a reviewer at Countryside Campground & Cabins.
Heated swimming pools: Some private campgrounds maintain heated pools as alternatives to natural swimming areas. "There are activities for the kids, a playground, heated pool, hiking/bike trail, and even a baseball field," notes a family that visited Countryside Campground regularly.
Riverfront camping spots: Riverside cabin options provide direct water access. "We stayed in site 5 and had the river as our front yard. Electric is provided at each site, and they do have a dump station," reports a visitor who stayed at Old Log Resort and enjoyed the river views despite proximity to a road.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance planning is essential, especially for weekends and summer months. Some campgrounds book up to a year in advance. According to one camper at River Country Campground: "We made a reservation one year in advance only to have it changed without any notice by the camp," highlighting the importance of confirming reservations.
County park passes may be required: Some county-operated campgrounds require additional day-use or annual passes for entrance. These typically range from $6 daily to $25 for annual passes.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds are situated near busy roads. A visitor at Wilson State Park Campground noted: "The ONLY issue I had with this campground was that it's on a busy road. The campground is beautiful and very clean with a great swim area, cute playground, and newer shower houses."
Site location and terrain variations: Within individual campgrounds, site quality varies significantly. "Many sites are rather large, like 97, but severely sloped, also like 97... Others are flat, small, and your camper is right near the road," warns a camper about Wilson State Park, suggesting careful site selection based on specific needs.
Tips for camping with families
Foam parties and scheduled activities: Family-oriented campgrounds often organize special events. "Had a foam party (my 5 year old loved this)" and "Offered hay rides Saturday evening," reports a parent who stayed at Weidman KOA, highlighting organized activities that entertain children.
Beach access for swimming: Several campgrounds offer beach areas with swimming. "A few different play grounds and a full beach across the road," notes a visitor to Herrick Recreation Area, providing options for families needing water activities.
Site selection for playground proximity: Choose sites near playgrounds for convenience with small children. Several campgrounds have playground equipment, but some visitors suggest improvements: "Wish we had a big playground near the camping sites, vs a swing set behind the bathroom house. Probably yell less at the kids if they had one near your campers."
Ice cream availability: Multiple camp stores offer ice cream, which proves popular with families. "Store has apparel, camping tools, and ice cream. Kids ran there every day and it is affordable and friendly," mentions a parent about the offerings at Countryside Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup variations: Most cabins and RV sites offer electricity, but amperage varies. "Power at sites, water at posts in the area. Clean place for the most part. Paved roads. A few are full hookup," notes a camper at Wilson State Park, highlighting the limited full-hookup availability.
Pine sap awareness: Several campgrounds feature pine trees which can affect RVs and campers. "As per the normal, pines bring sap, so expect that," warns a visitor, while another advises: "make sure to clean your slides from the pine needles before you go" for those with slide-out RV sections.
Sloped sites at some campgrounds: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "Site was slightly sloped but leveling is easy. Biiiig sites here," reports a visitor to Herrick Recreation Area, suggesting bringing leveling blocks for RVs and trailers.
